by: Joi M. In this society, it seems like music has changed the mindset of our young generation. Men and Women had more regard for each other, and music had more meaning! Now and days the younger generation is use to saying “I don't need no n**** “ or “ b******* ain't s***”. When we think of the music me and my peers listen to now, we wonder where did these ideals of negativity between men & women, and young relationships come from? As we review some of the music from artist the younger generation listen to, it doesn't always make sense.

What is the difference between the youth today and the youth from the earlier age (50's- 80's)? The difference is that the youth today have more academic challenges and the youth from the earlier age have more social challenges.

Imagine growing up in the 50’s. There was segregation in schools, no civil rights yet, more families who own small farms and more racial killings, hate crimes and injustices. Children from the 50’s of all races would enroll into college at the minimum age of 14. Now, let's fast forward back into the year of 2012. There is desegregation in schools, there are civil rights and more jobs are available. However, change has come, academic level requirements are more complex. So what does that mean? This means the bar has raised for all of us, but responsibility is an issue still.

I know half of the people reading this has had a best friend. A friend you’ve known since middle school and been close with all the way to high school, where feelings start to creep into your mind. You don’t know what to do, but you do know this could ruin your friendship with this person. At the same time, you could tell this person what you feel since you’ve known each other for so long! Which may have been most of your life. How do you deal with this dilemma?

by: Deyantae N.Relationships are one of the best things we are lucky to have, but some people, especially many youngsters nowadays, let relationships dominate their lives. For example, day-to-day many kids around the world spend countless hours on Twitter and Facebook talking about relationships. It's sad to me people get more likes on facebook for status’ like “lms...if you a virgin” as opposed to posting status’ like, “Today is a good day...everyone stay blessed”. I know this is because I witness it all the time and I see it mostly happen with today’s youth which is really bad. After all, the youth is the future.

Okay, so first off, I am no relationship expert, but what I do know is it's important to wait. I’m sure you have heard people say it all the time, especially older people who are in their twenties and thirties. “Don’t rush,” they say, “You have all the time in the world to chase after boys. Focus on yourself,” or something along those lines. I used to roll my eyes every time I heard that. Honestly it's hard when it seems like everyone else around you has a boyfriend/girlfriend, or has been in a relationship.

Self Image is something that many of us struggle with as teenagers. Today’s media portray a very specific image of what attractive young men and women look like. Perfection is promoted through make up aids, pop culture magazines, and on many fashion runways. Many teens attempt to meet these social and physical standards. Many struggle with body image insecurity and can sometimes develop an eating disorder. Many people believe an eating disorder only involves eating food then purging it. There are three major eating disorders...